The Romanov Prophecy

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Ekaterinburg, Russia: July 16, 1918. Ten months have passed since Nicholas II’s reign was cut short by revolutionaries. Tonight, the White Army advances on the town where the Tsar and his family are being held captive by the Bolsheviks. Nicholas dares to hope for salvation. Instead, the Romanovs are coldly and methodically executed.

Moscow: Present Day. Atlanta lawyer Miles Lord, fluent in Russian and well versed in the country’s history, is thrilled to be in Moscow on the eve of such a momentous event. After the fall of Communism and a succession of weak governments, the Russian people have voted to bring back the monarchy. The new tsar will be chosen from the distant relatives of Nicholas II by a specially appointed commission, and Miles’ job is to perform a background check on the Tsarist candidate favored by a powerful group of Western businessmen. But research quickly becomes the least of Miles’ concerns when he is nearly killed by gunmen on a city plaza.

Suddenly Miles is racing across continents, shadowed by nefarious henchmen. At first, his only question is why people are pursuing him. But after a strange conversation with a mysterious Russian, who steers Miles toward the writings of Rasputin, he becomes desperate to know more - most important, what really happened to the family of Russia’s last tsar?

His only companion is Akilina Petrov, a Russian circus performer sympathetic to his struggle, and his only guide is a cryptic message from Rasputin that implies that the bloody night of so long ago is not the last chapter in the Romanovs’ story...and that someone might even have survived the massacre. The prophecy’s implications are earth-shattering - not only for the future of the tsar and mother Russia, but also for Miles himself.

Steve Berry, national best-selling author of the phenomenal thriller The Amber Room, once again delves into rich historical fact to produce an explosive pause resister. In The Romanov Prophecy, the authentic and the speculative meld into a fascinating and exceptionally suspenseful work of fiction.

©2004 Steve Berry (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Berry uses Russia, past and present, to excellent effect and makes sharp observations about the contemporary Russian scene....A solid tale." (Publishers Weekly)

Terrific Reading

This is an excellent historical thriller, and the narration was fantastic. I had to budget my listening to times I was doing chores around the house, otherwise I would have sat all day listenting... couldn't put it down.

Solid Thriller

The concept for Berry's "Romanov Prophecy" is an interesting one: what if Russia, after years of corruption in its failed attempt at democracy, decided to put its monarchy back in place? Those in power behind the scenes don't want to have anyone but a puppet in place, while the people want the real heir - but given that the reign of Nicholas the Second ended with bloodshed and what might have been an urban legend: did two heirs survive?

Enter Miles, a black lawyer from Atlanta, who is hired to ensure that the currently chosen heir is legitimate. But when he's nearly killed, Miles starts to realize there's more going on, and is quickly on the run in a country where he sticks out like a sore thumb, trying to stay one step ahead of those trying to kill him, and get to the truth before it's too late.

Read wonderfully, I listened to this going to and home from work. The pacing is excellent, and the characters are good. In a way, it reminded me of Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons," in that it had a same frenetic pace, and a good historical background.

My 2nd Berry

This was the second Steve Berry novel I've listened to and I enjoyed it. The plot is a little far-fetched but it was a good, entertaining story and I liked the historical perspective it was written in, in fact, it's why I chose it, some Russian history sounded good. I'm sure I'll listen to more Berry. I could even see this one being a movie but I'm not really sure what moviemakers look for when deciding what works.

The reviews were right!

I was hesitant to read this book based on the concept. However, after reading the reviews, I took the chance and I am glad I did! This was an excellent book and was well read by an excellent reader who brought the characters alive. My only criticism would be the idea of an African-American laywer being the main character in a position of power in a Russian society as strange. However, this did fit the final prophetic meanings. Very entertaining and Steve Berry fans will not be disappointed.

A great listen!

There are two parts when you think about how you liked an audio book. A great book can be taken to the depths by a bad narration. I am pleased to say that the narrator was a delight. As I was riding in the car, the narrator melted away and the book came to the forefront. Bravo! Now to the book itself, the plot was intriguing. It successfully intertwined history with fiction. Berry is a very good writer that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more. There were several times I sat in my car, in the parking lot at work, wishing I did not have to turn off my iPod and go into work. Yes, it was that good. If you want a very good listen, this is it!

Fantastic

What made the experience of listening to The Romanov Prophecy the most enjoyable?

Great and captivating story

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It was captivating

What does Paul Michael bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Fantastic voice and well read

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It drew me into the story and on long drives that is fantastic

Any additional comments?

Recommend highly to any politico

This was well worth it.

Let me start off by saying the narrator is awesome. I cant count how many times a good book is ruined by bad narration. This guy takes a blow away story and makes it real. The book itself is very well put togather.The very beginning gets off to a thrilling jump. I had trouble turning off my big rig because I had to hear the next turn in the story. I actually bought a Ipod because of audio books like these. Now I can unload my truck and listen to great books like this one.

Great!

Its been a while since I found a book I could not 'put down'. Had a week off and thought this would occupy my time.. finished it in a day! Have heard the other book "The Amber Room" is just as good.. pity Audible does not carry it as yet.

Amazing

keeps you up all night. The history and intrigue is great. Makes you feel like you are right there in Russia.

Great as always!

My computer died awhile back and its' been long enough that I don't remember the finer points of this novel. I was sorry to have it end and thought that Berry put an unusual twist to the usual lost Romanov heir stories. I learned quite a bit about that period in history and ended up checking out some non-fiction about the last czar and his family.